Surfing
From Pacific City to Cannon Beach, Oregon’s top surf shops are here to meet all your wave-riding needs — now and long after.
Summary
- 1Cleanline Surf Shop, Cannon Beach
- 2Safari Town Surf Shop, Lincoln City
- 3Moment Surf Company, Pacific City
- 4Gorge Performance, Portland
- 5Ossies Surf Shop, Newport
- 6ZuhG Life Surf Shop, Lincoln City
- 7Pura Vida, Otter Rock
- 8Lincoln City Surf Shop, Lincoln City
- 9Seaside Surf Shop, Seaside
- 10Newport Surf Shop, Newport
The North Pacific region often gets overlooked as a top surfing destination — falsely so. Make no mistake: The shores of Oregon have some of the best waves you can find. Plus, they lack the throngs of tourists found in other popular surfing destinations, emphasizing Oregon’s serene beaches and coves.
If you need a new board or wetsuit for those chillier Northwest waters, there are some great surf shops to welcome you. Read ahead for a guide to the top surf shops in Oregon, from exploring vintage surf museums to finding lessons for all skill levels.
01
Cleanline Surf Shop, Cannon Beach
For more than 40 years, Cleanline Surf has been outfitting the surfers of Northern Oregon in every shade of gear and apparel. With more than 30 brands of surfboards from Aloha to Torq, this surf shop boasts one of the widest selections in the state. The flagship store at 171 Sunset Boulevard is less than a 10 minute walk from Cannon Beach, one of the top surf spots in Oregon.
Both the Cannon Beach shop and Cleanline’s other location in Seaside offer surfboard and wetsuit rentals for anyone and everyone. Rentals are available every day throughout the summer, and during other seasons if tide conditions are safe. You can book in advance, but with Cleanline’s massive inventory, you shouldn’t have to worry about the shop running out.
02
Safari Town Surf Shop, Lincoln City
Founder Tony Gile started this surf shop as a small home-run operation, selling a modest selection of wetsuits in 1987. As Gile realized there was a genuine demand for a proper surf shop in the area, Safari Town Surf Shop was born.
The Lincoln City store at 3026 NE Highway 101 remains family-owned and -operated, with everything you might need for an Oregon surf day. Pick up a custom-made board, replace your traction pads, or grab a repair kit for minor touch-ups. Safari Town can also guide you through the beaches of Lincoln City, with surfing and stand up paddle board lessons, along with guided kayak tours.
03
Moment Surf Company, Pacific City
This local treasure, hidden away in this quiet little beach town, lives by its motto, “surf comes first.” You can find boards from a collection that includes some of the top shapers and brands in the world, such as Mayhem and NSP. If you need something for just a day, you can rent just a pair of gloves or an all-inclusive surfboard package with a wetsuit.
The staff at this storefront (address 33280 Cape Kiwanda Drive) are always happy to give recommendations based on your skill level and current surf conditions. If you’re just finding your footing on the water, Moment Surf Company offers lessons for ages five and up too. For teens and preteens just discovering the joys of surfing, Moment also offers a youth camp for ages 10 to 16.
04
Gorge Performance, Portland
Established in 1983, you can find this Portland board sport superstore at 7400 SW Macadam Avenue. You can choose from a range of surfboard brands here, from North Pacific to Firewire. If you’re not sure which one’s the right fit for you, you can test-ride certain makes through Gorge’s demo rental program. Or if the nose of your favorite board has taken a hard hit lately, you can bring it in for expert repair.
05
Ossies Surf Shop, Newport
Located near Agate Beach, this surf shop launched over 40 years ago with just 10 surfboards, eight bodyboards, and just over two dozen wetsuits. Given the local surfing community’s enthusiastic response, Ossies has grown into an all-encompassing endeavor. You can rent stand up paddleboards, skim, boogie, and surfboards or enjoy the waters of Newport on a guided Kayak tour. You can even trade in worn-out gear for credit toward store items such as, for example, a Gerry Lopez longboard or a hooded full wetsuit.
Ossies Surf Shop can be found at 4900 North Coast Highway. Once you arrive, you’ll see a ton of surf merchandise. You can also inquire about group and private surf lessons, with the chance to have your surfing filmed or photographed. With Ossie’s help, you can also find rental homes for a surf weekend getaway in neighboring Otter Rock, where the shop originated.
06
ZuhG Life Surf Shop, Lincoln City
Head to 3219 SW Highway 101, and you’ll find more than just a surf shop. ZuhG, founded by West Coast artist and musician Bryan Nichols in 2014, offers rentals and lessons for every surfer. Enjoy Nichols’ vibrant art as you visit the shop to pick up midlengths or longboards. Or, if you stop by on the right day, you might get the chance to catch local acts in the ZuhG Summer Concert Series.
07
Pura Vida, Otter Rock
Nestled in the “Waikiki of Oregon,” Pura Vida is right between the Otter Rock surf break and the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area. The team at 845 1st Street can help with rentals, repairs, surf classes, and special orders at your request. You can also take a skimboard or surfboard out on the water for a half-day or a full day. If you want to learn surfing techniques, whether you’re a beginner or advanced surfer, call ahead to reserve a lesson with a Pura Vida instructor.
08
Lincoln City Surf Shop, Lincoln City
In addition to an impressive inventory, the Lincoln City Surf Shop is home to the Northwest Surfing Museum, full of nostalgia and vintage surfboards. Trade in your old longboard or wetsuit at 4792 SE Highway 101, then flip through classic surf videos and art. You can also sign up for lessons with Oregon pro surfer Mike Jipp to learn how to ride and take care of your board.
09
Seaside Surf Shop, Seaside
This shop opened in 2003 and has played a big part in nurturing the Seaside surfing community ever since. You can check out the shop’s selection of modern and classic surfboards for purchase or rental year-round. You’ll also find all the wetsuit care tools you could need, from repair kits to cleaners, at this shop, located at 1116 S Roosevelt Drive. There are also gear and accessory rental packages for kids and adults. Plus, this surf shop can help you book a lesson with its partners at the Oregon Surf Adventures Surf School.
10
Newport Surf Shop, Newport
If you want a unique local shopping experience, this Newport gem at 403 NE 1st Street is a two-in-one surf and consignment shop. You can find high-quality new and used boards as well as accessories from local brands such as Lazy Robot. Rent a surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, boots, or fins, and enjoy a day of Newport swells.
Find what you need at Oregon’s top surf shops
Maybe you’re an experienced surfer who needs board repair, or maybe you’re a newcomer who needs an expert to show you the ropes. Either way, Oregon’s surf shop community can help with it all. From Pacific City to Cannon Beach, Oregon’s top surf shops are here to meet all your wave-riding needs — now and long after.
